On March 16, 1802 Congress signed off on legislation establishing the United States Military Adademy at West Point. Located on the Hudson River north of New York City , West Point had been a military post created with the help of Polish General Tadeusz Kosciuszko in 1778.
One of the most prestigious universities in the world, West Point is known not only for preparing officer candidates for the United States Armed Forces but also is known for holding high standards of scholarship and learning.